On Sunday, February 2nd, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden in Chinatown presents the Year of the Horse Temple Fair, a special event to celebrate Chinese New Year. The festival is based on the Spring Festival temple fair where people meet to entertain, trade, celebrate, and pray for success in the New Year. The event is described as “re-nao” (热闹), or “hot and noisy”, which refers to the hustle and bustle of the crowds on the street as people greet one another to wish each other prosperity, good fortune, and good health for the upcoming year. The Chinese New Year is one of the most lively and colourful times at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden, and the Year of the Horse Temple Fair is the perfect time to visit the Garden.

The Year of the Horse is the seventh year in the twelve-year Chinese zodiac calendar system. Each year has a corresponding animal: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. According to the zodiac, the corresponding animal gives those born that year certain characteristics. Those born in the Year of the Horse are said to be active, animated, and communicative, with a straightforward and positive outlook on life.

Photo credit: Lisa Moffatt | Flickr

Everyone is welcome at the Year of the Horse Temple Fair (not just Year of the Horse babies!) to join in the fun. Starting at 10am, there will be live music performances, dance workshops, traditional Chinese games, and more. As it was once believed to scare off evil spirits and ward off bad fortune, red is considered to be a lucky colour and is worn throughout the Chinese New Year and its celebrations. Show your New Year spirit by wearing your brightest, reddest clothing to the Year of the Horse Temple Fair!

Schedule of EventsAll Day
· Live Music Performances: Traditional bamboo flute performed by Su Lin, Guzheng performed by Yuyin Ruan, traditional Chinese music performed by the Chinese Heritage Instrument Club, multicultural concert performed by Toddish McWong and Friends
· Children’s Corner: Dress-ups, running around and screaming to chase out evil spirits (as according to tradition), arts and crafts
· Traditional Chinese Games

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